Below are a few of our most commonly asked questions. If you have any more please do get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few of our most commonly asked questions. If you have any more please do get in touch.
Portable Appliance Testing (commonly known as PAT or PAT Inspection or PAT Testing) is a process in the United Kingdom by which electrical appliances are routinely checked for safety.
If you can answer YES to any of these questions then YES you do!
- Are you an employer using portable appliances?
- Do you employ more than 5 employees?
- Do you carry out health and safety risk assessments?
One of the main checks that is required is a visual check, this contains a list of checks that are essential before an electrical test can be performed.
- check that plug has no cracks
- look for signs of overheating
- check that flexible cable is properly secured in the cord anchorage
- check the plug has been correctly connected
- check that the cable screws are tight and secure and no loose strands
- check the rating of the fuse and make sure it is securely gripped
- check that the fuse(BS 1362), plug(BS 1363) and ASTA mark is shown
- check the cable length and equipment in use for damage
When these visual checks have been done then a sequence of electrical tests are performed.
Class 1 Appliances
- earth continuity test
- insulation resistance test
- dielectric strength test
- protective conductor current test
- wiring polarity check/functional checks
Class 11 appliances
- insulation resistance test
- dielectric strength test
- touch current test
- functional checks
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What Our clients say
“Thank you for a very professional and friendly service. Our testing was done with minimum disruption. I was very impressed and it was a pleasure to do business with you.”
“ATCO provided an excellent service to my company at a very competetive price. I would definitely recommend the company to others who are requiring PAT testing in their organisation.”
“As an specialist letting agency, we use ATCO pat testing exclusively for their professionalism and attention to detail. I would have no hesitation in recommending their services.”